After confirmation of bird flu in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India has also set up a control room in New Delhi to keep watch on the situation and to take stock on daily basis of preventive and control measures undertaken by State authorities.
The measures suggested to the affected States to contain the disease and prevent further spread as per the Action Plan on Avian Influenza (AI) include strengthening the biosecurity of poultry farms, disinfection of affected areas, proper disposal of dead birds/carcasses, timely collection and submission of samples for confirmation and further surveillance, intensification of surveillance plan as well as the general guidelines for prevention of disease spread from affected birds to poultry and human. Coordination with the forest department for reporting any unusual mortality of birds was also suggested to the States. The other states were also requested to keep a vigil on any unusual mortality amongst birds and to report immediately to take necessary measures, according to the official release.
After confirmation of positive samples from ICAR-NIHSAD, AI has been reported from the following States (at 12 epicentres) –
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Rajasthan(crow) – Baran, Kota, Jhalawar
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Madhya Pradesh(crow) – Mandsaur, Indore, Malwa
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Himachal Pradesh (migratory birds) – Kangra
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Kerala (poultry-duck) – Kottayam, Allapuzha (4 epicentres)
Accordingly, an advisory has been issued to the States of Rajasthan and MP on 1st January 2021, so as to avoid further spread of the infection. As per the information received from the State of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, control measures are being taken as per the guidelines of National Action Plan of Avian Influenza. Another advisory has been issued on 5th January, 2021 to Himachal Pradesh where the State has been advised to take measures so as to avoid further spread of disease to poultry. As per the report received, Kerala has already initiated control and containment operations from January 5, at epicentres and culling process is in operation.
